An engine vacuum leak can cause all kinds of problems for your import. Uptown Imports advises that the vacuum pressure created by the engine is used to power components in the engine. The pressure is routed through a system of vacuum hoses designed to withstand the abuse caused by the vacuum pressure. Eventually, one or more of these hoses can spring a leak. Here’s what will happen when this happens.
Check Engine Warning
You may end up with a check engine warning right away because the engine will fill with air quickly from the vacuum leak. This can throw some of the system sensors into a tither. They will send error codes to the main computer chip and it will turn on the check engine light. A check engine warning is usually accurate in alerting drivers that there is a problem in the engine.
Component Malfunction
As we mentioned above, the reason why the vacuum pressure is routed through the engine is that it powers components. An example of a component that is powered by engine vacuum is the power steering pump. If your power steering has started to give you problems, it’s possible that you have a vacuum leak and the power steering pump is not receiving enough juice.
Performance Problems
A vacuum leak will also cause engine performance problems because it fills the engine with air. For example, when there is too much air in the engine, your engine will idle roughly and the acceleration will lag. In addition, your engine will sputter and struggle to run when it is under stress or when you are driving at higher speeds.
Sporadic Tachometer Needle
You may be able to see your imports vacuum leak if you keep an eye on the tachometer needle. The tachometer needle will bounce up and down as the vacuum pressure is released from the leaking vacuum hose. If the pressure is steady, the tachometer needle will register unusually high rather than bouncing up and down.
Suction Noises in the Engine
Finally, an engine vacuum leak can sound like the hose in a shop vac. You may hear loud sucking noises coming from your engine if one of the vacuum hoses is leaking. You may also hear a strange hissing sound coming from the engine.
Uptown Imports in Minneapolis, MN, would be happy to inspect your engine to see if you have any leaking vacuum hoses. If we find a hose that is leaking, we will replace it.